09/06/2026
We are often told by the retailers we work with that we get considerably less returns than many similarly priced brands we sell alongside.
The reason for this is that we invest in superior materials and the more we learn about making jewellery the pickier we have become about the materials we want to use.
That said in the name of sustainability we also encourage our customers to get pieces repaired or return for recycling where possible.
If the damage is just general wear and tear from frequent wears and no longer covered by our 12 month warranty we now charge a small amount to do the work. You'd be surprised how much work goes into even a small job between doing it, cleaning the pieces, liasing with couriers, etc. And return postage costs us in excess of 10€ now...
Some people are very happy to be charged, some are most definitely not happy?
What do you think is a reasonable rate for parts + labour + (Gov tax/Vat)+ return postage in this economy?
To put it in context our studio is in The Digital Hub in Irelands capital city, so rent is high among other rising costs.
Also I consider myself a professional after almost 2 decades in the retail/design industry, a degree in Commerce, a diploma in Design and numerous certs in Art, Design as our my employees similar educated "professionals".
This month I paid €1000s for legal advice.
I also paid alot to an accountant for financial advice.
I also paid considerably for teeth cleaning (...even though if I use the jewellery warranty logic I only had it done a few months prior) and had a few very, very short GP visits at 90quid a pop.
I paid an extremely low rate per hour to my childs afterschool.
So my point is why do we accept high rates from some professionals but expect a low rate to others?
Cant help but wonder does it stem from the old patriarchial idea of womens work? Or that working with your hands is "less" or even is it (a family member said this to me recently) creative work being a privelge you can't expect to get paid well as it's not real work?...Glorified hobby hence undervalued?
Love to hear your thoughts both as customers, workers or fellow creatives/small business owners?
